The rare break in winter weather and a 70° degree day got me in the mood to roll out the grill! It was a bit last minute so I used the ingredients I had on hand to put together these yummy bacon-wrapped beef patties! I added American cheese to the kids’ patties and PepperJack to the adult burgers after bringing them into the house. While the cheese melted, I brushed the inside of the buns with melted butter and grilled those for 3 minutes. I offered leaf lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and condiments to complete the burger. Crunchy sweet potato fries were served on the side. I can’t wait for spring so we can grill more often!

Bacon-Wrapped Beef Burgers

Ingredients:

1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 oz)

2/3 c. chopped onion

¼ c. ketchup

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. seasoned salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

2 lbs. ground beef (I used 93/7 or ground round)

10 thick-sliced bacon strips

10 hamburger buns

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients.

2. Crumble the ground beef over the mixture and mix together. Use your hands to mix well.

3. Shape into 10 ¾-inch-thick patties.

4. Wrap each patty with a bacon strip and secure with toothpicks.

5. Grill patties over medium heat for 6 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. A meat thermometer should read 160°F.

6. Serve on buns and add cheese if desired.

**Always use a separate plate to take your raw meat to the grill and to bring the cooked patties back inside. Wash hands often! Use a meat thermometer to the correct temperature.